Submitted by Menaka Kaur Dhand

Today’s society, a population of over six billion, is a composite community of all colors, all identities, all beliefs, of all religions. Much like a traditional mosaic, each unique person casts together with his or her surrounding environment and companions to produce a portrait of true ingenuity and exquisiteness-our beautiful world. Each distinct portion of this mosaic, however, cannot unite with its adjacent section without a mere acceptance or tolerance of its atmosphere and fellow neighbors. Nevertheless, in order to exist and function with triumph and continuity, constructive and active involvement with these other distinctive and often alien pieces are most necessary. Religious pluralism is a condition in which numerous discrete ethnic, religious, and cultural groups are both tolerated and continuously engaged within a society. This concept enables an assortment of people to assist in the enhancement of humanity as a whole. The dedication of these individuals, whom serve to promote pluralism in almost every possible facet of life, is truly an admirable characteristic because engaging is tolerance is often disregarded. This compassionate act of recognition of diversity proves to laminate and protect both the aesthetic image and fundamental values of respect and acceptance in our world.

A mosaic is a compilation of numerous unusual and unique pieces, much like the accumulation of the countless people of mankind. Each piece may exhibit a different exterior color, representing an exclusive texture or style. Skin tones, hair colors, heights, and weights are all factors contributing to the vast variety of figures in the human race. Every single shape and figure is exceptional; two people selected at random will most likely not share similar silhouettes or physical features. The diversity of these parts, in exact resemblance of our community, is the key to the magnificence of the mosaic of the entire population. Each group of people of various backgrounds encompasses unique characteristics and expertise in which the collaboration of these diverse qualities and skills prevail in certain situations. In further explanation, to a certain extent, the cooperation amongst the nurses and doctors at the local hospital in which I volunteer provides a perfect instance of how diversity presents a more successful outcome. The ER, in in which I dedicate most of my time, consists of doctors and nurses internationally unique. The in-house doctor is Jewish and uses his fluency of the Hebrew language to assist the great population of Jewish elderly of my retirement town when needed. The head nurse speaks Creole and the triage nurse speaks Spanish, both help in translating for those who are not fluent in English. I, myself, was once able to be a translator of Hindi for an elderly woman visiting from India. The mixture of such cultures and backgrounds in my own local ER allows the hospital to communicate and treat a larger and more diverse group of patients. The wide-range of skills each employee exhibits allows for further understanding and knowledge of patients in need of medical examination. Each individual, of all identities, religions, backgrounds, and regions, contributes a portion of originality towards the illustration as a whole; the combination of these beauties thus produces a masterpiece- our world. Every single section of a mosaic is distinctively shaped and designed. Various lengths, edges, and figures add to the diversity of the pieces-much like the various opinions and beliefs people hold contribute to diversity within the human race. As a result, the most difficult step in the process of producing a mosaic masterpiece is the assembly. In order to produce one whole exemplary presentation a plethora of patterns and styles must communicate and cooperate to stand side by side, sacrificing along the way to do so. In relation to our own world, many obstacles may be encountered along the procedure. As a noted activist for human racial equality, Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated, “Men hate each other because they fear each other, and they fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they are often separated from each other.” The clashing of ideas have in the past and will in the future account for the obstacles of difficulty in the production of the mosaic. Professor Kenneth Samples, the founder and president of the Augustine Fellowship Study Center (AFSC), stated,

The shadow of vandalism and violence perpetuated against religious groups, particularly minority or ethnic communities, falls across Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, mosques, synagogues and minority Christian churches alike. Our common life as communities is menaced by many forms of belligerence and discrimination, negative stereotypes, benign ignorance and willful misrepresentation.

Many unnecessary hate crimes have occurred throughout history, especially within the last few years due to ignorance and unwillingness to simply learn about others. People unfortunately do not seem open to others’ opinions and beliefs when contradicting with their own. "Disagreement about an issue or area of inquiry provides reason to think that each side has an obligation to examine beliefs about the issue," (McKim 2001, 140). The premis of this statement is that an individual's perspective on any issue-wheter personal, social, or religious- must be able to compromise with those of other’s in order to consolidate the mosaic of our world. Martin Luther King, Jr. advised, “We must learn together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Single groups of people should not only tolerate others but must sacrifice in order to ensure the prosperity of the world. It is therefore necessary that neighbors cooperate to minimize conflict amongst themselves and to instead combine their efforts to improve society. Thus, with the participation of every single piece, religious pluralism will most certainly lead to a more enriched lifestyle and mosaic for all.

Once assembly of the mosaic has been accomplished, the beauty of this masterpiece will be radiant. If united in a mosaic, the many instances of controversy and hate can optimistically lead to deep tolerance and even a greater respect for all. The allowance “that those with whom you disagree are people whom it is worthwhile to approach with rational arguments," (McKim 2001, 178) allows different groups to share ideas and derive a collaborative solution. Such personal acceptance and conduct may possibly lead to a more elcoming and open society that shall accept and even foster growth of ideology. We can acknowledge the dedication with which the supporters of other religions follow their religious paths. As an example, a Christian can appreciate the sincerity and dedication with which Muslims observe the lunar month of Ramadan. In 1997, the governor of the state of Kansas issued an “official proclamation on the Muslim observance of Ramadan. In it he called on Kansas citizens to recognize the dedication and service of Muslims as an important part of the fabric of religious pluralism which enriches us all” (Samples). Religious pluralism has proven to educate those who would otherwise be unaware of its existence. Furthermore, in 1997, President William Clinton extended greeting to Sikhs on the Prakash Divas of Siri Guru Nanak Sahib. In a written statement, Clinton expressed his deep congratulations: Warm greeting to Sikhs across America observing the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. In our country, built by men and women of many nations and many beliefs, it is fitting that we acknowledge the contributions of leaders like Guru Nanak who brought people together around a particular faith., As we search for new ways to ensure that America truly offers opportunities for people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds, it is particularly timely that we recognize the life and teaching of Guru Nanak. By bringing people of all backgrounds together and advocating service to humankind, Guru Nanak encouraged his followers to build lives of compassion and commitment to justice.

A non-Sikh took an enthusiastic interest with the Sikh community and even celebrated the creation of the religion. When each sect constructively and actively engages with one another, unity brings forth a lucid understanding of ideas which will most certainly enrich our lives. Each part of the mosaic must take advantage of communication in order to mold themselves into a unified piece of eclectic art.

While admiring a mosaic, a whole picture is conveyed to the eyes, rather than the millions of individual pieces that create the entire image. In similarily, when the whole world is taken into one’s perspective, the entire population- of varying races, colors, appearances, beliefs, faiths, and backgrounds- is the focus of the depiction. In the alliance of all mankind, religous pluralism is practiced in its entirety. It is not mere tolerance, but rather an involvement with other people in an attempt to create a united population. As a result, one may recognize the significance of each human being and the importance of guaranteeing fundamental human rights and respect to all, including the freedom to follow his or her desired spiritual aspiration. Discovering the value of the constitutional rights of other people to hold diverse beliefs will most likely lead to a greater appreciation of others’ beliefs. This participation and cooperation of people allow the world to evolve into a more advanced and solid community, as the best aspect of each group is represented in the mosaic. Unity and religious pluralism will enevitably pervade through all mindsets. As Nobel-Prize for peace winner and former President Jimmy Carter so beautifully stated, with this ideal coexistence and triumph, “We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

Bibliography

Clinton, William. Written statement. November 14, 1997.
http://www.worldsikhcouncil.org/press/1997dec.PDF.

McKim, Robert. Religious Ambiguity and Religious Diversity. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Samples, Kenneth. The Challenge of Religious Pluralism. Christian Research Journal.
http://www.iclnet.org/.